President Nixon in Israel (1974)

U.S President Richard Nixon, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and U.S Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger, during a work session at King David Hotel in Jerusalem. Photo: Ya'acov Sa'ar, GPO​.​

The Visit

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​President Nixon was the first US president to visit Israel while in office (June 16-17, 1974).

From the joint statement following the discussions between Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and ​President Richard Nixon:

"President Nixon and Prime Minister Rabin held extensive and cordial talks on matters of mutual interest to the United States and Israel and reviewed the excellent relations between their two countries. They discussed in a spirit of mutual understanding the efforts of both countries to achieve a just and lasting peace which will provide security for all States in the area and the need to build a structure of peace in the world. United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and members of the Israeli Cabinet participated in these talks.

Prime Minister Rabin expressed Israel's appreciation for the outstanding and effective role of the United States in the quest for peace under the leadership of President Nixon assisted by the tireless efforts of Secretary Kissinger and indicated Israel's intention to participate in further negotiations with a view to achieving peace treaties with its neighbors which will permit each State to pursue its legitimate rights in dignity and security"

U.S. President Nixon speaking during the official banquet at The Knesset. Photo: GPO​.

U.S President Richard Nixon and Israeli President Efraim Katzir, during his visit to Israel. Photo: GPO​.

Quotes

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​​Remarks on Arrival at Tel Aviv, Israel,June 16, 1974

"We have been through, over these years, some difficult times. During the period that I have served as President of the United States, we have been through some difficult times together, and I can only say that the friendship that we have for this nation, the respect and the admiration we have for the people of this nation, their courage, their tenacity, their firmness in the face of very great odds, is one that makes us proud to stand with Israel, as we have in the past in times of trouble, and now to work with Israel in a better time, a time that we trust will be a time of peace.” (Full Text)​